Overweight in animals and joint strain – why diet is not everything

Contents

1. Why isn't diet everything?
2. What to do besides diet if you are overweight?
3. Water rehabilitation
4. Olfactory and mental training
5. Physiotherapy
6. Overweight and its impact on animal joints
7. How to safely help a pet with joint problems lose weight?
8. Joint supplementation and the fight against excess weight in animals
9. Summary
10. Bibliography

Dogs and cats have undergone a process of domestication over millennia, resulting in significant differences from their wild ancestors. Many now lead sedentary, indoor lifestyles with little environmental stimulation. Furthermore, their feeding patterns have changed; they no longer need to hunt for a meal; instead, they are fed several portions throughout the day. This all contributes to the development of overweight and, subsequently, obesity.

Excess body weight is a significant health problem these days. Studies show that obesity affects 41% of the population in cats, while approximately 39% of dogs are overweight. These processes are not harmless to the body – they increase the likelihood of numerous diseases and cause chronic inflammation throughout the body. In the following article, you'll learn what factors, besides diet, influence overweight and obesity in animals.

Why isn't diet everything?

Animal obesity is a pathological condition, considered a chronic disease, in which the ideal body weight is exceeded by 301 TP13T. In overweight animals, the increase in body weight is 151 TP13T. The process leading to this is multifactorial. Diet is undoubtedly a key factor. The feeding method determines the amount of energy supplied to the body. Incorrectly matching the caloric content of meals to the animal's actual energy needs, lack of portion control, excessive snacking, and ad libitum feeding are all significant factors. Other factors include: 

• No movement

Physical activity plays a key role in maintaining a healthy body weight in dogs and cats. Insufficient exercise leads to an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. This results in a positive energy balance, which promotes the accumulation of body fat and the development of overweight and obesity in cats and dogs. A study conducted in the UK showed that canine obesity was more common in animals with low physical activity than in those who regularly exercised. Low activity levels significantly contribute to feline obesity, most often caused by limited space, lack of hunting opportunities, and limited environmental stimuli. It's important to note that in both dogs and cats, we—the owners—are responsible for our animals' inactivity, and consequently, their body weight.

• Genetic factors

Certain breeds, such as the Golden Retriever, Labrador, Pug, and Dachshund, appear to be more susceptible to developing obesity. This may be due to genetic factors affecting metabolism and appetite regulation. However, only beagles have been shown to have a link between a mutation in the MC4R gene and a tendency to overeat and develop increased body weight, leading to obesity.

• Intestinal microbiota disorders

A growing body of research indicates that the composition of the gut microbiota may play a significant role in the development of obesity in animals. Human studies have found that a high-fat diet influenced the abundance and diversity of the microbiome in the gastrointestinal tract, promoting inflammation and the absorption of lipopolysaccharides by the intestinal epithelium, which in turn increases their transport into the lymphatic system. This process may influence metabolism and promote the accumulation of adipose tissue in obese animals. However, it remains unclear whether dysbiosis is a consequence of obesity in animals or contributes to its development.

• Stress

Research shows that exposure to stress factors causes cats to eat larger amounts of food more frequently, leading to obesity. For cats, the living environment is particularly important. Limited space, limited access to the outdoors, and insufficient environmental stimuli can lead not only to reduced physical activity but also to frustration and stress. The inability to engage in natural behaviors, such as hunting or exploration, can contribute to excessive food intake and, consequently, obesity.

• Castration

Another factor that increases the risk of obesity in dogs and cats is neutering. The procedure alters the body's hormonal balance, which can lead to changes in metabolism, activity levels, and appetite regulation. After the procedure, energy requirements decrease, and if the amount of energy in the diet is not reduced appropriately, this leads to gradual weight gain.

• Age

Age also influences the risk of animals becoming overweight and obese. As they age, their metabolism slows and physical activity often decreases. Older animals may also suffer from musculoskeletal disorders or other conditions that limit their mobility, further contributing to weight gain.

As you can see, the development of overweight and obesity in cats and dogs is a complex process. Often, the cause is not just one, but several factors occurring simultaneously. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment of obesity in animals should be based on a comprehensive approach, encompassing both a properly balanced diet and lifestyle modifications.

What to do besides diet if you are overweight?

As mentioned, diet isn't the only factor that influences an animal's weight gain. Daily activity is especially important. This can take many forms – below are a few examples.

Water rehabilitation

This method is ideal for overweight dogs. It involves dogs exercising in water under the supervision of a physiotherapist. Water allows for muscle mobilization without putting stress on joints, making it a good form of exercise for senior dogs as well. Regular rehabilitation improves physical fitness, increases muscle strength, and supports the burning of excess fat.

Olfactory and mental training

A dog's activity shouldn't be limited solely to physical activity. Mental stimulation also plays a crucial role. It helps maintain a healthy mental state and reduces boredom, which often leads to overeating. During this type of training, the animal uses its sense of smell to seek out hidden objects or treats. This type of activity engages the animal, teaches concentration, reduces stress, and strengthens the bond between dog and owner.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy provides important support in the treatment of not only overweight dogs but also feline obesity. It is most often performed on animals whose excessive body weight has led to an overload of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments such as massage, stabilization exercises, and manual therapy improve joint range of motion, increase muscle strength, and reduce pain. This allows obese animals to gradually increase their physical activity, promoting more effective weight loss. In many cases, physiotherapy also serves as a preventative measure, preventing the worsening of orthopedic problems associated with overweight dogs.

Overweight and its impact on animal joints

Overweight and obesity in companion animals are a significant risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly joint disease. Excessive body weight leads to increased pressure on joint surfaces, which accelerates the wear and tear of joint cartilage and subsequently contributes to the development of degenerative changes. This manifests itself through pain, stiffness, and limited joint mobility, leading to animals becoming less active and, consequently, increasing their body weight. As can be seen, the relationship between animal obesity and joint disease is bidirectional. 

It's also important to note that adipose tissue secretes various biologically active substances that intensify inflammatory processes in the body. This leads to chronic inflammation, which can further exacerbate joint damage and accelerate the development of degenerative diseases. It's also worth remembering that obesity in animals genetically predisposed to joint diseases, such as hip dysplasia or cruciate ligament damage, will accelerate the onset of clinical symptoms and exacerbate the disease. Therefore, maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most important elements in preventing musculoskeletal disorders in companion animals. 

How to safely help a pet with joint problems lose weight?

Obesity in animals is a serious health problem that requires special care and a comprehensive approach. Losing weight too quickly or improperly can lead to weakening the animal's body and deteriorating its overall health. This process should be gradual and tailored to the age, condition, and health of the animal. The basis for combating excess weight in dogs and cats with joint problems is a proper diet, as well as controlled physical activity. It's particularly important to limit the caloric content of meals while maintaining an appropriate, high protein level to maintain muscle mass. Portion sizes should also be controlled and high-calorie snacks should be limited. Supplementation with joint support products plays a significant role in obesity in animals. Although exercise is essential for weight loss, it should be tailored to the animal's abilities and the severity of joint changes. Moderate, regular forms of activity, such as leisurely walks or rehabilitation, are most recommended. Short play sessions with toys that encourage exercise can be helpful for obese cats.

In summary, safe weight loss for obese animals with joint problems should be based on several key elements: a well-balanced diet, gradual weight loss, appropriate physical activity, physiotherapy support, and regular health monitoring. This comprehensive approach not only reduces the body weight of obese animals but also improves their quality of life and limits the progression of musculoskeletal disorders.

Joint supplementation and the fight against excess weight in animals

As mentioned, obesity in animals leads to increased joint strain and accelerated cartilage wear. To support animals with excess body weight, it's crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach, including a carefully selected weight-loss diet, physical activity tailored to the animal's abilities, and targeted supplementation to support proper joint function. Such supplements can help reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and support joint cartilage regeneration, making it easier for the animal to engage in the physical activity necessary for weight loss.

An example of such supplements are the brand preparations Animalactin. These products are suitable for obese animals requiring additional joint protection. Their formula is based on, among other things, the ingredient MicroLactin®, a bioactive milk protein concentrate with anti-inflammatory properties, and additives such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid. This provides multifaceted action: reducing inflammation, supporting joint cartilage regeneration, and improving joint mobility.

Summary

Overweight and obesity in animals constitute a serious health problem in modern times. Although diet plays a key role in the development of obesity, it is not the only factor influencing this process. Factors such as physical activity level, genetic predisposition, stress, age, neutering, and disturbances in the gut microbiota are also important. A dangerous consequence of excess weight in dogs and cats is its negative impact on the musculoskeletal system, leading to joint strain. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment of animal obesity should be based on a comprehensive approach, including proper diet, activity, and supplementation. This will allow for safe weight loss, improve the animal's quality of life, and reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Bibliography

1. Kurosad A., Jank M. Obesity – a disease associated with improper nutrition. Theories regarding its etiopathogenesis. Veterinary Medicine in Practice, 2016.
2. RuiXia Z., YiBo z., Peng D.: The SNPs of melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) associated with body weight in beagle dogs. "Exp. Anim.", 2014; 63(1): 73-78.
3. Mao J., Xia Z., Chen J., Yu J. (2013) Prevalence and risk factors for canine obesity surveyed in veterinary practices in Beijing, China. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 112(3–4), 438–442.
4. Saavedra C, Pérez C, Oyarzún C, Torres-Arévalo Á. Overweight and obesity in domestic cats: epidemiological risk factors and associated pathologies. J Feline Med Surg. 2024 Nov;26(11)
5. Lechowski R. Canine obesity as a significant risk factor in the development of general diseases, Veterinary Magazine, 2015, 04

Radosław Kuczyński

Veterinarian